Philly.com Announces "The New Voices" Platform for Notable Contributors

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Philly.com, the most popular news web site in Philadelphia, announced today that it is launching "The New Voices" initiative, which will feature notable national and local contributors and columnists. Covering a range of topics and viewpoints, the new columnists include:

Ari Rabin-Havt, the nation's most exciting new progressive commentator; Philadelphia's own John Featherman with his unique and penetrating conservative viewpoints; Mark Segal, one of the region's and nation's most compelling gay leaders and the publisher of Philadelphia Gay News will add topical commentary in a new column entitled, Mark, uncensored; Kenny Gamble, a Philadelphia cultural and business giant; Table Matters blogger Jason Wilson; leading interior designer Carrie Leskowitz; Dr. Jill McDevitt, a nationally recognized sexologist; technology pundit Eric Smith, co-founder of Geekadelphia; activist Chris Goldstein who writes about the issues surrounding marijuana; Maria Papadakis whose videos will cover the local social scene and celebrities; and Bernie Parent, an inspiring member of the NHL Hall of Fame who writes about self-empowerment and motivation.

"Our goal, at Philly.com is to reach across the full breadth of our region's ideas, its people and their lives," said Steve Alessi, Vice President, Digital Advertising and General Manager of Philly.com. "Relevance and reach can be overused terms, but today's announcements reflect our desire to transform and deepen the traditional relationship between a media company and its community."

"The columnists are compelling and will expand the debate and broaden our reach in the region," said Lexie Norcross, Director of Interstate General Media, parent company of Philly.com.

In addition to these notable columnists, Philly.com is announcing several strategic alliances with some of the nation's most important organizations. FactCheck.org, National Constitution Center and SunLightFoundation.com will participate in "The New Voices." FactCheck.org is a website that monitors the speeches, television advertisements, interviews and speeches of politicians to ensure their factual accuracy. The National Constitution Center (NCC) will provide Philly.com with a nonpartisan, timely analysis of Constitutional issues that have both regional and national relevance. This relationship furthers both organizations' goals to engage the public in healthy dialogue and to foster civic engagement. SunLightFoundation.com uses the Internet as tool to ensure transparency in government.

Philly.com/Food will also introduce Table Matters, an online magazine at the intersection of food, drink and culture, published by Drexel University's Center for Cultural Outreach. Table Matters provides its readers with coverage on all aspects of food to inspire food lovers, while also providing fresh perspectives on dining, eating out, reading and shopping.

"The New Voices" is in discussions with Philadelphia Gay News to create a groundbreaking, content sharing relationship with Philly.com. Still in its early stages, this media alliance could be the first of its kind between an LGBT publication and a mainstream media publication. Philadelphia Gay News, is the nation's most award-winning LGBT publication serving the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

"This is just the beginning," said Alessi. "In the coming months, Philly.com audiences from Philadelphia, South Jersey and our broader region will find more new voices -- some very surprising ones -- joining us. Whether we're entertaining you, making you ponder intriguing notions, or simply expanding debate on important ideas that might not otherwise have a large audience, we plan to use Philly.com as a destination for people to find the most fascinating, unexpected and provocative content in the region."

With between 7.5 and 9 million monthly visitors, Philly.com is the most popular news web site in the Philadelphia region. It features stories from ThePhiladelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Daily News, and a wide array of original content. "Philly.com reflects all the richness and diversity that surrounds us and defines what our readers and advertisers have come to expect when they experience our site. From the high to the low, from the profound to the amusing, if it's part of our life here you'll find it on Philly.com," said Alessi.

About Interstate General Media Interstate General Media LLC is the parent company of Philadelphia Media Network (PMN), publisher of The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Daily News, Philadelphia SportsWeek and Philly.com. With its multiple brand platforms and integrated print and digital products, PMN is the region's largest media network and the industry's technological leader and innovator. Philadelphia Media Network publications reach an average weekly audience of 2.2 million adults – more than the combination of the three evening television news shows or the combination of those radio stations ranked in the top ten during drive-time programming.